1 dead after fast craft collides with water taxi in Batangas

A crew member of a water taxi died while eight people were rescued after their vessel collided with a fast craft in the waters off Matoco Point in Batangas on Wednesday. 

Based on an initial report from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Hop & Go 1 water taxi was en route to Batangas Port when it collided with M/V Ocean Jet 6 at around 12:20 p.m.

Five passengers and four crew members were aboard the water taxi while the fast craft had at least 105 passengers and 19 crew members onboard.

M/V Ocean Jet 6 left Batangas Port at around 11:26 a.m. and was expected to reach Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro at around 12:35 p.m. 

The PPA immediately alerted the Philippine Coast Guard- Batangas and a search and rescue operation was conducted in the area. 

The survivors were brought to Puerto Galera.—RF, GMA Integrated News